On social media, many viewers were stunned after a project created a visual representation of what happens to your body when you only get six hours of sleep a night.
Sleep deprivation is a growing issue, with many people getting far less sleep than they need.
In fact, new research shows that the average Brit gets only six hours and 24 minutes of sleep per night.
This sleep deficit has alarming consequences, affecting both physical and mental health.
What happens to your body when you only get six hours of sleep a night?
A sleep expert, Dr. Sophie Bostock, highlights the severe effects of sleep deprivation.
She has worked with a team to create a disturbing visual representation of how chronic tiredness could affect someone’s appearance and health.
The images feature ‘Hannah,’ a 3D rendering of a sleep-deprived person suffering from multiple physical ailments.
The physical impact of poor sleep habits
‘Hannah’ represents the negative consequences of not getting enough sleep.
Her appearance shows signs of premature aging, including wrinkles, jaundice, and alopecia (hair loss).
In addition, she experiences muscle atrophy, with her limbs shrinking in size and shape.
Lack of sleep affects not only the skin but also internal systems.
‘Hannah’ shows increased sensitivity to pain, short-term memory loss, and a weakened immune system, leaving her more susceptible to respiratory infections.
Weight gain and other consequences of chronic sleep deprivation
Dr. Bostock also explained that restricted sleep affects hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, leading to unhealthy weight gain.
Additionally, being too tired to exercise only worsens this issue.
As a result, ‘Hannah’ suffers from an expanded waistline, which is linked to heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Research shows that inadequate sleep disrupts the body’s circadian rhythms, the 24-hour cycles that regulate physiology.
Over time, this can have serious consequences on heart health and overall well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a risk factor for numerous chronic conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and Type 2 diabetes.
Dr Bostock said: “Research into the importance of consistent, good quality sleep for our health and wellbeing has accelerated in the last few decades. Many of us don’t realise that haphazard daily routines and lack of sleep interfere with our circadian rhythms, the 24-hour cycles which control our physiology.”.
Sleep is essential for maintaining good health, and consistent, quality rest is necessary to prevent the damaging effects of sleep deprivation.
The disturbing image of ‘Hannah’ serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing sleep.
Research continually shows the serious consequences of not getting enough rest.
It’s clear that the ‘tiredness epidemic’ is something that should be addressed immediately.